Small Steps For Fighting Your Money Fears

Face your fears

Write down your worst money fears. Once you have made your list, decide which fears are real, and which fears are beyond your control. Cross out the ones beyond your control. Then you can develop a plan to deal with the fears that are real. As you move past the fear, you’ll watch your whole world change.

Make a list of 10 money thoughts you have had in the past two weeks. Were they positive or negative? How could you treat yourself better? How can you send a message of respect and love to yourself with your money?

If you have a money secret that’s been bothering you, tell it to a trusted friend. Find someone to whom you can admit this secret without fear of judgment or reprisal. Then, feel the pleasure you experience by releasing your “secret.”

Get moving for 15 minutes! Consider what you do for exercise. Exercise is not usually considered a money topic, but blocking the flow of energy in your body will also block the flow of energy outward to create wealth and prosperity in your life. Do something, anything, that gets your heart pumping for 15 minutes.

Today, make a date with yourself to take care of one small financial issue that is bothering you (such as requesting a credit for an unjustified late fee on a credit card or ordering an extra copy of a statement)

Choose one good money habit to practice for today, such as making a list of everything you spend—and make it a part of your life, just for today.

Visit the past

Write down the worst thing that ever happened to you financially, in three sentences or less. Then, write several good things that came about because of this event.

Spend 15 minutes thinking of a time when work did not go your way, yet ultimately provided you with more rewards than you’d have received had things gone the way you had expected.

Sit down in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Set a timer for four minutes. Close your eyes and think of the worst money mistake you have ever made. Relive the hassle, frustration, and loss you experienced one last time—and then let it go. When the timer sounds, forgive yourself for your mistakes. Next time you are tempted to dwell on it, say to yourself: “That’s water under the bridge”, and move on

Set a timer for 10 minutes. Take 8 minutes to think of the ways that you hold tightly onto the money in your life. Think of how you grasp money and try to squeeze it for all it’s worth, instead of simply allowing it to flow into your life. Then, clench your hands as hard as you can for 1 minute. Feel the tension blocking the flow of energy in your hands. For the last minute, relax your hands and let the tension flow out of your body.

Money has a natural ebb and flow. Spend 10 minutes focusing on the ebb and flow of money in your life. Sometimes there is more than you need, and other times there is less than you want. This exercise will help give you perspective the next time your money seems to have “deserted” you. It will be back soon, with the next flow tide.

List 5 things you thought were important in life but you have found that you can live without. They can be physical things, emotional things, or qualities, such as status or prestige. What is more important to you now?

Be good to yourself

When you are in the middle of a financial crisis, it’s easy to blame yourself—but try to resist the urge. Always remember, keep your head held high, and your eye to the future. Tell yourself that “this too shall pass” and reward yourself in small ways for the progress you make. Your self worth is not dependent on your net worth.

Make a list of some of your best attributes and skills. Each day, choose one attribute to concentrate on. Write it into the blank on this affirmation: “I am ________, and with each day, I am wiser, stronger and more self-confident.” Tape this affirmation to your mirror. Say it to yourself throughout the day.

Take a small risk with something you do each day—take a different route to work, try a new type of ethnic cuisine, experiment with a new hobby. Get used to taking small risks in life and seeing what happens. Increasing your tolerance for risk will help you expand your horizons and think more creatively about your investments.

Did you get enough sleep last night? Do you usually get enough sleep? Figure out five ways that you get more rest in your life. If you are well-rested, you will have the focus you need to create prosperity in your life.

Find a quote, poem, or religious verse that inspires you. Copy it and post it where you will see it. Whenever you are feeling the “money crazies”, look at your inspirational message and remember that you are much more important than money.

If you are worried about something, ask yourself, what difference will this make six years from now? If it will make a significant difference, begin working to solve it. If it won’t make a difference, recognize where it fits into your priorities.

Get support from your friends

Think of the person who most supports your life, who offers you hope and encouragement when things look bleak. Write this person a thank-you letter for all he or she has done for you.

List 5 people you really enjoy talking to about your life—who make you feel energized and strong after you spend time with them. List 5 people who are the exact opposite—who drain you and make you feel weak and hopeless. List ways you can spend more time with the former and less with the latter. Would your favored five like to join with you in a Money Club?

Think about friends with whom you’d like to share information and who can act as a support system for you or join with you in a Money Club. Write their names down, then give them a call.

Organize a regular family “money meeting” to discuss your financial situation, dreams, and goals. Use this time to brainstorm creative solutions to problems and generate ideas to improve your future. Make it fun and educational by holding back criticism and approaching problems with a “can-do” attitude.

Build your financial “advisory board.” Which of your friends can you count on for unbiased career advice? Who is good with investments? Who comes up with the most creative ideas for getting out of a financial jam? Start a Money Club to build on your strengths and help each other achieve your financial goals.

It’s sometimes hard to look at yourself objectively. Ask your friends in your Money Club to help you assess your talents and suggest what you can do in the future to make the most of them

Form a support group. Do you know other women who could use financial guidance? Invite them for a casual gathering at your home, and talk about the money issues that concern you. Odds are, some members of the group will be able to offer support and advice to others facing similar issues. If there is interest among your friends and peers, you could hold regular meetings and start a Money Club of your own!